Gida Paranhos is a Realtor associate with Luxe Realty working in Boca Raton.

What was your first job in the realty industry? I first got into the real estate industry as an assistant to the broker of a boutique real estate office at Mizner Park in Boca Raton.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Taking long walks relaxes me. Either that or a nice nap will do too.

Where did you grow up? Although I was born in New York, I grew up near Brasilia the capital of Brazil. Then spent my teen years in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Growing up, what did you want to be? Entrepreneurship runs in my family. I always knew that working for myself is the way to go.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be? Ellen DeGeneres. She worked hard to get to the point she is now and I respect her for that. I admire the fact that she is an honest and a giving person.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I’m a home body, I like to be home; however, I also love to go to the beach and ocean.

What do you love most about the industry? Dealing with the people, particularly a first-time homebuyer. Having them say, “This is mine.” Equally, as young people move up in the spectrum and get their dream house, a place they can call home.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I get to be myself…a straight forward, honest and hardworking professional. It goes a long way!

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I think the ever-changing legal requirements and keeping up with the technology. The forms change often, and, if you’re not current, it’s always a challenge. The increased leap in keeping up with technology puts a lot of pressure on a person.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Networking should be natural; therefore, when in social settings I try to create the opportunity to network.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment in this industry is the one that marked my career the most was my first closing, which happened to be on my first home.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I recently read “Wolf of Wall Street” by Jordan Belfort. He may have been controversial, but he knew how to be successful.

What is your favorite restaurant? Café Maxx, a small but cozy restaurant in Pompano Beach, Fla. It’s unique menu changes daily, giving me a chance to try something new every time.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? Park Central Hotel. I like its art deco design with abstract details and sleek stainless steel sign.

What kind of car do you drive? Lexus RX 350 SUV.

Smartphone or paper? I love to have a smartphone handy. I get to be connected at all times.

What is your favorite city after Miami? San Francisco. I love the diversity it offers, plus after living there it has a special place in my heart.

What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be yourself but work hard and don’t give up. This industry is challenging and only the strong survives.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Genius Scan, Savvy Card, realtor.com.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Okay, so I don’t have a twitter account…yet.

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